CMC to confiscate $4.2 million drug profits — 08.04.2011

A former Finks outlaw motorcycle gang member will be forced to repay the state millions of dollars following a successful Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) proceeds of crime claim.

Today in the Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Peter Applegarth handed down a proceeds assessment order for $4.2 million against Charles Edward Cannon in Queensland’s largest and longest-running civil confiscation case.

Cannon, currently serving a jail term of more than 12 years, was arrested in 2003 for amphetamine production and trafficking following an 18-month joint crime operation involving the Australian Crime Commission, the Queensland Police Service and the CMC.

At the time of Cannon’s arrest, the CMC restrained $4.3 million of his property, including real estate, cash, luxury vehicles and boats, shares and jewellery. He was convicted in November 2005.

CMC Director Financial Investigations John Richardson says the case against Cannon was the first proceeds of crime action taken after the CMC gained the power under Queensland’s new Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002.

‘We will seek to recover the $4.2 million from his property,’ Mr Richardson said.

‘Today’s decision hits at the heart of organised crime. Criminal activity is all about the money and confiscating the profits gained from these criminal exploits has a significant impact. We take away their money, power and influence.

‘Our work also generates vital intelligence, leading to successful multi-agency investigations, such as the Cannon case, which have disrupted and dismantled major crime syndicates. So it’s not just about hurting individuals, but ultimately denting the very power base of organised crime.